She took a last bite of the pudding and licked the spoon. “That was excellent.”
“Glad you enjoyed it.”
“Are you still planning to take the meeting with RCDS this week?”
“Absolutely. If we find that you can get me out of these two films, I want to have already explored other options and be ready to jump into a project as different from Carbon Man as I possibly can. I’m interested to hear what Cassie and Breck are working on.”
“You can’t go wrong with either of them, together or separately. They’re the ones who gave Rhett new life when no one wanted to touch him. He was tired of being typecast as Hollywood’s leading action man but his agent and all of the studio heads only heard the ching of the cash register and saw him shooting his way through every movie. He wanted more and knew he could do it. Cassie and Breck believed in him and wrote something especially for him. It changed his career. And started new ones for them.”
“What did they do before?” Wynn asked.
“Cassie had wanted to be an actress but hadn’t had much luck. She’d worked as an assistant to an agent and then actually came to work as Rhett’s assistant. Breck was a stuntman, mostly on Rhett’s movies. Before that, he was in the military. Delta Force. They both wanted more for themselves, the same as you. Fortunately, it worked out. The trajectory of Rhett’s career changed. Cassie and Breck partner on some screenplays and work separately, as well. Then Rhett and Cassie started RCDS with Dash and Sydney. Rhett and Dash do some films for RCDS but the production company also handles other films. What Cassie’s pitching you would be for RCDS since they’re all clamoring to come to the meeting. I think they’re excited about what else you’re capable of, beyond Carbon Man. Rhett mentioned to me how much he enjoyed the medical drama you did on ABC.” She paused. “You’re not the only one eager to see what else you could do. With RCDS backing you for your first film away from the Alpha Tharra Universe, you couldn’t find a more supportive group.”
Wynn frowned. “They’re not backing me yet, Scarlett. We’re merely meeting. Dancing around one another, getting a feel for the players involved. If I can’t get out of these two movies, I doubt they’d wait two years on me.”
Scarlett’s hand grasped his wrist firmly. “If Cassie wants you for this film, they’ll wait. Those four are super supportive of one another. They trust each other’s judgment.” She released him and quickly brought her hand to her lap, a rush of adrenaline springing through her by merely touching him.
A knock sounded on the door and Erica poked her head in, holding up an envelope and a sheaf of papers. “Papers for Mr. Gallagher to sign regarding representation with Lymon McGraw, specifically with you as his attorney of record. Plus, contracts sent over from a Del Youngblood.”
“That’s my brother,” Wynn said. “We’re expecting them.”
“And Scarlett’s got a partner’s meeting in the conference room in ten minutes,” Erica reminded. “Go freshen up. I’ll take care of this.”
“What else is left today?” Scarlett asked.
“A two-thirty with Kimball about his latest book deal. If he shows. TMZ reported he’s back in rehab as of last night. Then a four o’clock with Webster over the Cheney matter.”
“Find out about Kimball. Let Webster know he’s going to handle Cheney on his own.”
Erica nodded. “He’ll act pissed but he’ll be pleased. Should I give him a reason why? He’s a partner and will dump on me.”
She gave her assistant a brilliant smile. “Tell him I’ve signed Wynn Gallagher and I’m meeting with him all afternoon. That should knock Webster for a loop.”
Erica beamed. “With pleasure. Maybe I’ll have my phone in hand and record his reaction.”
Scarlett turned to Wynn. “Would you like to stay here during my meeting? You could read over the contracts and see what you want to point out to me. Of course, I’ll go over them myself in order to get familiar with the particulars.”
“I’d be happy to wait for you.” He gave her a warm smile, which started that damned tingling again. Scarlett needed to escape before she did something utterly foolish. Like kissing him as a crazy woman might.
“I’ll attend my meeting and be back as soon as possible. Erica can take care of you in the meantime.”
Scarlett snatched her iPad from her desk and hurried from the room.
◆◆◆
While Wynn waited for Scarlett to get out of her partner’s meeting, he read through the contracts that Del sent over. He was familiar with the language because he’d been heavily involved in drafting them. Basically, he’d told Del what he wanted and had his brother pretty it up in legalese. They’d given it to Rylon’s attorneys and traded documents back and forth until Wynn was satisfied with the wording and signed.
His head told him from the start after he’d aced his Carbon Man audition that Del was out of his league but Wynn’s heart refused to seek different representation. Ever since Stephanie’s betrayal, he’d had trouble trusting anyone who wasn’t family. Del had the law degree and Wynn had convinced his brother to move to California and take the bar, especially with both him and Cady living in LA. With Del’s percentage from Wynn’s earnings, his brother could afford to do the pro bono work he loved so well and still maintain a small family law practice on the side.
The upcoming battle with Rylon Pictures was far beyond Del’s capabilities. His generous, sweet-natured brother didn’t have it in him to wage war on a landmark studio. Wynn was abandoning his comfort zone to sign with Scarlett—as well as opening his heart to her.
He’d barely dated in the years since leaving college. At first, his broken heart refused to let himself
